Pint for clearing Braintree Town football pitch snow

A free pint of beer has been offered to anyone who helps clear an Essex football club's pitch of snow in preparation for an upcoming game.

The chairman of Blue Square South side Braintree Town FC, Lee Harding, is appealing for help to shovel snow on Thursday evening and Christmas Eve.

The team are playing Bishop's Stortford on Boxing Day and need the Cressing Road ground to thaw out in time.

Volunteers are asked to bring a shovel and contact the club for more details.

Groundsman Dave Green said: "The incentive is you get to see a game on Sunday.

"And the chairman promises free beer so come and help us get the game on."

Manager Rod Stringer also issued a rallying call and said: "The boys have not played a league match for a month and are raring to go."